Interview with Jason Fox

7 October 2015

What was your role in special forces, and for how long?

I had many different roles with in my ten year stint as an SF operator. They ranged from demolitions expert, combat swimmer, dog handler, Sergeant Team Leader, counter terrorist expert and bodyguard. All of these roles plus many more I have conducted on real time operations globally.

 

What work do you do now?

I now work as a military advisor and consultant to TV and film and also work with production companies when they travel to environmentally hostile locations. I am also at present setting up a company that is to deliver Special Forces experiences to the corporate world.

 

Why did you decide to take part in this programme?

The reason I took part in this programme is because I felt that although there is a lot of interest around the SF community and who makes them up, there is little known about what, fundamentally, an SF operator is made of. I felt that this programme was a way of quenching the public’s thirst without disclosing mission critical information or tactical procedures employed by the United Kingdom’s Special Forces. It also allowed me to consult and advise which is now part of what I do.

 

What do you remember about your own training?

What I remember most about my Special Forces training was the constant assessment. The feeling that you were being watched and listened to at all times. Obviously the physical factor you never forget about but it was always the mental factor that played on me the most.

 

What was the toughest bit of all?

Again, with the above question in mind, definitely the mental stress of not knowing how you were actually doing in the eyes of the training team. No matter what phase you were in or location that pressure is always there and it is meant to be that way.

Did you have any misgivings subjecting the recruits to such agonies? Or is there a perverse enjoyment to be had?

No, I didn’t have any misgivings about subjecting them to such agonies and it had nothing to do with perverse enjoyment but all to do with trying to prove, on this scale, that what I and few others have achieved does not come easy. Let’s not forget the pressures they felt over 8 days are normally endured for over six months on the real thing. In addition they were there to impress us and themselves and to do that they had to overcome what we put in front of them.

 

At a first glance could you tell which recruits might succeed or fail?

No, not at all. You can never judge a book by its cover. However, as a human you cannot help but make initial judgements on people and when you do you will always be surprised at one stage or another. That, though, was half the fun of making the programme.  

 

Did you go easier on them, because they were civilians, and they aren’t trying out for the SAS?

I don’t think we did although there is so much we couldn’t do with them due to disclosure that they had it easier than the real thing although that surely goes without saying.

 

What was the standard of recruits like?

Compared to what I was expecting, it wasn’t that high, civvy fit isn’t military fit.. They did though come into their own, individually, at one stage or another.

Obviously, as instructors, you have a duty of care to the recruits. Was that at the forefront of your mind?

At the forefront was being able to keep it realistic while being safe at the same time. We were constantly assessing risk assessments and their health at all times and keeping an eye on environmental changes to all areas we worked in.

 

What precautions did you take to ensure their welfare?

Physical and psychological tests were carried out on all recruits prior to and during the whole programme and we had an excellent medical team and doctor on board to be our extra eyes and ears when it came to their welfare.

 

Did you have favourites among the group?

To begin with no, but after time it is hard not to start to like a few characters.

 

What qualities does a potential recruit for the SAS need?

Physical and mental robustness, integrity, ability to work in a team, ability to work individually, personal drive and determination, humility, sense of humour, ability to adapt to changing circumstances and environments and also the ability to operate out of your comfort zone. The list could go on…

 

Did this experience make you want to return to that sort of life?

No, it made me want to remain in the media/TV world. It was a really enjoyable experience and I hope to do more like it.

 

SAS: Who Dares Wins starts on Monday 19th October at 9pm on Channel 4